HANOI & LUANGPRABANG – On June 18th, AEA Vietnam và AEA Laos  jointly convened the Cross-country Reflection and Learning workshop of the project “Gender Equality through Vocational Education and Entrepreneurship” (GEVEE). The meeting was held in a hybrid format, bringing together delegates from both countries to assess project progress, share experiences and practical lessons, and strengthen collaboration among implementation teams in Vietnam and Laos.

In Vietnam, the meeting gathered 17 participants, including the AEA project team, local partners such as CGFED, the Lao Cai Provincial Women’s Union, the Project Management Unit of Da Bac District (prior to its administrative merger in Hoa Binh Province), and young female entrepreneurs benefiting from the project. On the Lao side, 42 representatives from implementing partner organizations and project beneficiaries also participated, creating an open and dynamic space for exchange.

Overall assessment

During the opening session, AEA representatives presented a summary of the project’s progress after two years of implementation. Despite challenges such as organizational restructuring in Vietnam and issues related to migration and inflation in Laos, the project has achieved 12 out of 17 key indicators and fulfilled 75% of its specific objectives. Notable progress was reported in expanding livelihood opportunities for women, enhancing the quality of vocational training, and fostering a gender-sensitive environment.Both countries demonstrated strong alignment between project activities and national policies on gender equality and vocational education. While Vietnam has focused on supporting women-led businesses and promoting gender-responsive career orientation, Laos has prioritized raising basic awareness and developing small business models through revolving funds.

Practical Results

In Vietnam, the project’s activities in Lao Cai and Hoa Binh have supported 28 women-led businesses, with 100% of participating women improving their entrepreneurial skills. Notably, 70% of these women have reached income levels above the minimum wage, and 60% have reported increased business revenues. On the policy front, 10 civil society organizations have been strengthened, with 76% of their policy recommendations acknowledged and adopted by local authorities. The project also developed and piloted a gender-integrated career guidance curriculum, which has been officially approved by the Hoa Binh Department of Education and Training.

3 women enterpreneur representatives: Giang Thi Du – The model of Five-color Bamboo Rice, Xa Thi Nga – The model of Growing Sponge Gourd To Collect Loofah, Ly Thi Hang – The model of Sung Homestay (from left to right).

In terms of networking and communications, 81% of women reported active participation in groups such as the Women’s Union and start-up clubs. Seven communication campaigns were effectively implemented through core groups and local partner organizations.

In Laos, vocational training was provided to 1,441 individuals, supporting the establishment of 110 women-led enterprises. Nearly 70% of the women involved have gained independent income. Gender mainstreaming activities have been carried out in 25 villages, including the training of 50 community facilitators with gender balance. Among these facilitators, 85% reported improved gender awareness, and all were recognized as trusted by their communities.

The village-level revolving fund model—developed in collaboration with local schools and authorities—has proven effective in financing small production groups without requiring complex business plans. This approach has fostered self-reliance and on-the-ground learning.

Key Lesson Learned

Throughout the discussions, delegates identified several important practical lessons. The integration of vocational training with hands-on production and financial support has been a key factor in improving practical application and sustaining long-term results. Active participation by local authorities—especially the education sector and the Women’s Union – has been critical in scaling and replicating the project model.

While gender mainstreaming in schools remains challenging – particularly in ethnic minority areas -targeted and practical support for teachers can lead to meaningful changes. Incorporating traditional cultural elements into career guidance and communications has also proven effective in strengthening community engagement and fostering cultural pride.

Additionally, the village-level revolving fund model from Laos was highlighted as a promising microfinance initiative with potential for pilot application in Vietnamese communities in the near future.

Future Directions

Based on the outcomes of the workshop, AEA Vietnam and its partners agreed on several key future directions. These include strengthening vocational training linked to production, reinforcing gender-balanced local core groups, developing a knowledge-sharing platform, expanding partnerships with employment service centers, and promoting digital transformation in training and the marketing of local products.

This workshop showcased AEA Vietnam’s strong coordination capacity, commitment to continuous learning, and dedication to sustainable development. The results achieved are not merely statistical—they reflect profound changes in capacity, awareness, and life opportunities for women and ethnic minority youth, who are often at risk of being left behind. Moving forward, AEA Vietnam will continue to work hand-in-hand with AEA Laos, local partners, and communities to further amplify the positive impact of the GEVEE project.